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QRPp CW from the FT-817
Martin Peters
For anyone interested in winding the RF output right down to 1mW or less, I had a little go at this, today, and here's how I got on.?
Before starting, I first wrote down all the settings within the Service Menu - highly recommended! I reduced setting #31 (HF2-L1). Adjusting this only affects output power when the transceiver is in its lowest power setting. Before adjustment, this was set to 4 so I wasn't very hopeful. Sure enough: reducing this to 0 resulted in almost no power drop, at all. Even if it had worked, this procedure requires a total of SIX adjustments to be made if you wish to affect all bands. Plan B - I reduced setting 68 (Carrier Level CW). Immediate success! I can now run QRPp if conditions are favourable. For reference, here's my readings vs RF power output, using the bench 13.6v supply, with the 817 in lowest power setting. Your mileage may well vary... 255? ? ?530mW 200? ? ?400mW 196? ? ?300mW 191? ? ?200mW 184? ? ?100mW 180? ? ? ?40mW 174? ? ? ?20mW 170? ? ? ?10mW 167? ? ? ? ?5mW 164? ? ? ? ?2mW 161? ? 1260uW 159? ? ? 460uW 157? ? ? 250uW 150? ? ? 125uW Further reduction failed to lessen the power further. Bear in mind this is a global menu setting, which will affect the CW power output across ALL the bands at all the power settings. FYI - With the menu set to 170, selecting the various output powers delivered 10mW, 14mW, 22mW and 32mW. At these miniscule levels, the power is not enough to get a reliable (or any) SWR reading from the front panel. I suggest moving to AM to make antenna/matching adjustments. I hope to be able to get the SSB output down to around 100mW, for when using the 817 with a transverter. This may be as simple as reducing the mic gain! 73 - Martin, G4EFE |
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Re: BNC Connector is Loose FT-818
Dan,
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1) the flashing display, when all is otherwise well, indicates that the PLL is unlocked (either a PLL fault or an attempt to transmit out-of-band), but read on: 2) there is also a syndrome where the control logic gets confused in relation to power supplies, and the principal symptom is a flashing display. There is more at: , /g/ft817/message/104394, and . HTH, 73, Stay Safe, Robin, G8DQX P.S. Personally, and touch wood, I've never met the flashing display fault in real life. On 18/01/2023 05:08, Daniel Levine via groups.io wrote:
After a week or so I took another look at the radio. It seemed as if that flex cable would just slide into the connector and be held in place with the front cover attached. Because of a blue band on the end of the cable I noticed it was not sitting squarely in the connector so I nudged it with my tiny fishing pliers and applied power again. This time the radio lit up but the display is flashing. I tried several resets but still flashing. |
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Re: BNC Connector is Loose FT-818
Well, I removed the front cover and tightened the connector with a blade of a screw driver. I was very careful not to disturb the flat flex cable during the process. I actually didn't see how to remove that cable from the main board however there seemed to be enough slack to just lay the cover to the side, then tighten the connector.?
When I re-assembled the radio there was a strange smell coming from the radio as soon as I connected the battery and it would not power up. Taking a closer look I noticed that flex cable had came out of the connector on the front cover and the clip came loose. The tiny lips on each side of that connector may have broken off as well. I put the radio aside and considered it a total loss. Didn't seem worth sending back to Yaesu when you could buy a new one for about $600+ or so, if, you could find one.? After a week or so I took another look at the radio. It seemed as if that flex cable would just slide into the connector and be held in place with the front cover attached. Because of a blue band on the end of the cable I noticed it was not sitting squarely in the connector so I nudged it with my tiny fishing pliers and applied power again. This time the radio lit up but the display is flashing. I tried several resets but still flashing.? Does any have experience with the display flashing? There may actually be some hope this radio after all.? 73, Dan |
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Re: MFJ-9219
That's an entirely different approach to what I described but thanks for trying.
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Joe n1khb?
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Re: Yaesu FT-818ND Discontinued Manufacturing
¿ªÔÆÌåÓýAll the major manufacturers, at various times, offered low Power versions of their high-power radios to appeal to foundation/entry level license holders.While they may be able to possess higher-power, more functional radios, why spend more money on a radio with features/capabilities they can't use? Why pay for 100 watt finals if you can only run 10 watts, for example. For example, the kenwood TS-120V among others... Ken, N2VIP On Jan 14, 2023, at 10:08, martinbradford2001 <martin.a.bradford@...> wrote:
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Re: Yaesu FT-818ND Discontinued Manufacturing
martinbradford2001
On Sat, Jan 14, 2023 at 02:18 PM, Kevin Grantham wrote:
I may be off here, but as I understand it, the FT-817 was originally designed for ¡°foundation¡± or ¡°basic¡± class licenses (non-FCC countries). I think these are all-mode all-band licenses that are power limited to about 8 watts depending on country. As I understand it, more privileged license classes are generally higher power limits.I don't think that there was any specific intent to target the FT-817 at foundation or basic licence classes. It is certainly true that many countries have entry-level licence classes that are power-output limited but, with the possible exception of Japan, most countries do not forbid holders of entry level licences from buying high power radios. There's nothing to stop a UK Foundation licence holder from buying an FTdx101MP capable of putting out 200W - and, since most Foundation licence holders will aspire to upgrading to a higher level licence, few would buy a 5w radio simply because they are not allowed to run high power... Martin (G8FXC) |
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Re: Yaesu FT-818ND Discontinued Manufacturing
Kevin Grantham
I may be off here, but as I understand it, the FT-817 was originally designed for ¡°foundation¡± or ¡°basic¡± class licenses (non-FCC countries). I think these are all-mode all-band licenses that are power limited to about 8 watts depending on country. As I understand it, more privileged license classes are generally higher power limits.
This is different than the FCC¡¯s ¡°inventive-based¡± licensing system. It seems to me that when the FT-817 was introduced, it¡¯s compact size and feature set made it a darling of hams of all nations and license classes. Yaesu had three models all with the same or similar features and options - the FT-817, a mobile FT-857 and a desktop FT-897. The FT-897 had some interesting battery options that made it a viable event or deployment radio. That¡¯s an impressive lineup. There is nothing in the Yaesu lineup to replace the discontinued models in that lineup. The only thing close is the FT-991 which has the panadapter display and C4FM and a much more advanced receiver and menu structure, among other things. But lacks the battery options of the FT-897. There is now competition from Xiegu and some others in the low-power HF space. The IC-705 is a great foundation class radio and addresses much of the same market as the FT-817/818. As to what Yaesu marketing is thinking, I don¡¯t know. A set of two radios - a modern FT-817/818 replacement and a similar larger mobile or base/mobile - or even a triplet set would be innovative and well-received. The only puzzling thing I see in Yaesu marketing is the FT-891. This is an outstanding mobile HF radio but it lacks intrinsic USB sound card support. I surmise that they intended it as a ¡°mobile¡± radio and overlooked the ¡°transportable¡± market (emcom, POTA, events) where reducing the number of wires and cables is rather important. I keep hoping for an ¡°FT-892¡± where they correct that oversight as I would immediately rebuild my deployment case (¡°go box¡±) with that and a mobile and replace the current shack-in-a-box that is working well but getting long in the tooth. Anyway, sorry to digress. Summary - I feel that there remains a huge market for foundation class and QRP applications for a replacement FT-817 using new technology. But that market is now shared with upstart manufacturers. 73, Kevin N5KRG |
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Re: Yaesu FT-818ND Discontinued Manufacturing
My mileage is about the same as Demetre's,?and I agree with?Ken that the 705 and the 817 are both great radios.. I do wish the 705 was smaller. Though the weight is about the same, the volume of the 705 is about 50% greater.? I really do notice that in a small backpack. But what direction can Yeasu?really go in to?be competitive?? If you expect a quality?Yeasu?to compete as an all band shack in the box, it's hard to imagine it being cheaper than a 705.? If you delete the V/U capability, a KX2 has a tuner at roughly a third of the weight and volume of an 817.? ?If you want an inexpensive radio and find something that works for you, there are a plethora of offerings. And if you just build a me too to?the KX2 or the 705, other than brand?loyalty, I'd find it hard to switch without some otherwise unavailable feature set. I hope I'm wrong, but it's hard for me to imagine the marketing department demanding a replacement to the 817 unless Yeasu just feel the need to have a presence in that market space. In the meantime I will be very careful with the 20 year old FT-1634 satellite pair. FWIW, not much. Scott ka9p On Fri, Jan 13, 2023 at 11:59 AM Demetre - M0SUY/SV1UY <demetre.sv1uy@...> wrote: Hi Andy and all, |
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Re: Yaesu FT-818ND Discontinued Manufacturing
Hi Andy and all,
Really you can't compare the IC-705 with the FT-817/818 because the YAESU Rig uses 22 year old technology. As for the IC-705 not being able to do this that and the other that you are describing, you will allow me to disagree because I have both the IC-705 and the FT-817 since when they first launched. They are both nice Rigs that's why I am keeping them both. The IC-705 can stand on it's own no bother, and it has interchangable batteries (I have 3 battery packs in my backpack) which can be changed without opening the radio as you need to do in the FT-817. If you had both radios you would know what I am talking about, but it sounds as if you haven't. People usually comment against a radio when they haven't even touched one! The IC-705 is superior in all aspects, but I still love and use my 2 X FT817s. Your milage may vary of course! 73 de Demetre M0SUY |
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Re: MFJ-9219
¿ªÔÆÌåÓýJoseph, It sounds like you want what the LDG Z817 provides. It uses latching relays to tune so it doesn't require power once it finds the best tune. It reads band and frequency data from the radio and uses memories to quickly tune to? previously used frequency. I use mine with a 9:1 or 49:1 if I using a random length wire or I use a band specific dipole. The only think I would like to see added is an led or LCD display of swr. I also like that it has a tune button that reduces the power, tunes for the best match and then returns to the original power and mode. Just my thoughts, Pat, WA3UOE On 1/13/2023 00:09, Joseph Wonoski via
groups.io wrote:
I have an MFJ random wire tuner which I like. What I've done with various antennas is to create a table of settings that I can return to as needed. It's a simple unbalanced L network.? |
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Re: MFJ-9219
Adam Collins
Joe, sounds like a fun experiment.? You may be more ambitious than me.
I did make a settings chart with each band as a quick reference. I may need to make adjustments, depending on where I tune in the wider bands.
Adam ke0gnl
Get
On Jan 12, 2023, at 11:10 PM, "Joseph Wonoski via " <aol.com@groups.io target=_blank>[email protected]> wrote: I have an MFJ random wire tuner which I like. What I've done with various antennas is to create a table of settings that I can return to as needed. It's a simple unbalanced L network.? |
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Re: Yaesu FT-818ND Discontinued Manufacturing
martinbradford2001
On Wed, Jan 11, 2023 at 05:35 PM, Ron Wright wrote:
The FTdx101 is not direct sampling - it's a hybrid like the FTdx10. This was a lot of the reason why I bought my 101D rather than the IC7610 - direct sampling is not a great idea when done on a consumer budget, it's far more benefit to the manufacturer than it is to the end user... Martin (G8FXC) |
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Re: MFJ-9219
I have an MFJ random wire tuner which I like. What I've done with various antennas is to create a table of settings that I can return to as needed. It's a simple unbalanced L network.?
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? ?I have considered the notion of a hybrid tuner. The idea would be that the settings for various frequencies would be repeatable. Hardly any setup requires ALL possible tuning solutions, especially with a single antenna. So why not just build or modify a tuner with settings for the frequencies that I use? The number of components could be vastly reduced to only certain L and C values. The settings could even be achieved with relays activated by the bands or frequencies you're on. I truly don't know if there's a way to externally track frequencies, but I do know that the chosen band information is available on the 817 rear panel. Other radios too I suppose. Settings in the correct band may be all that's required though depending on antenna bandwidth at frequencies of interest. ? ?Just a thought.? Joe n1khb?
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Re: MFJ-9219
Adam Collins
Finally getting back on this, regarding a new MFJ-9219 manual tuner that was not working for me.
I returned the original unit, and they sent me out a new one.? This seems to be working fine. I was able to get excellent to acceptable SWR on all bands from 10-160 meters. My plan is to review it on eHam, as I see nobody has done that yet.? I like the size and functionality.? I have to remember, however, to tune for each band, each time.? This was not an issue with the LDG Z817. Assuming it lasts, I think I would recommend it for its small form factor and multiple functions. 73, Adam, ke0gnl |
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Re: Yaesu FT-818ND Discontinued Manufacturing
I really enjoy the FT-817ND, and was highly disappointed when there was very minimal change when they released the FT-818ND.
Comparing this with the IC-705, which was a substantial improved product. The one sweetspot would be something akin to the but obviously due to the ongoing Russia/Ukrainian conflict this has drastically reduced availability (as well as potential Cyber-Security, i.e. Embedded Back Door in Firmware?) With very affordable SDR, and also extremely reliable FTDI USB interfacing, a very robust, hardened/rugged unit is a must (for Emergency Preparedness, Storms, WildFires, Hurricanes, etc)? This product would have won hands down. And is an opportunity for Yaesu to blow the others away. Hoping for something in 2023/2024? |
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Re: Yaesu FT-818ND Discontinued Manufacturing
On Jan 12, 2023, at 13:13, Andy Foad via groups.io <andyfoad@...> wrote: Icom these days are trading on a their past history that last peaked abut 25 years ago.That's funny, since we're discussing a radio that has been virtually unchanged the past 23 years, but OK. Funny, I don't remember the collective yawns from the Amateur community when Icom released the IC-7300 in 2015 and the IC-7610 in 2017, in fact it was quite the opposite, maybe I missed that? Ken, N2VIP |
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Re: Yaesu FT-818ND Discontinued Manufacturing
¿ªÔÆÌåÓýOn Jan 12, 2023, at 13:13, Andy Foad via groups.io <andyfoad@...> wrote:
It has a flat bottom, it "stands straight" without add-on.
Not sure why stuffing a battery pack inside a radio is so important, compared to an external clip-on battery... both can be easily swapped in the field (the obvious goal of both designs), but the Yaesu design involves a frail two pin connector.
Re-using an existing battery design allows owners of current Icom HTs to use their current batteries to extend ops without buying a new battery. On the Icom you can switch batteries without exposing the internal circuitry, I would think that preferable out in the field...
At 2x the price, the Icom IC-705 is not being sold as direct competition for the FT-817/818, it was offered as an upgrade. Aside from the ability to stack them up on your chest attached to a serious neck strap for satellite ops, I fail to see any specification/aspect of performance where the FT-817/818 'beats' the IC-705, even weight - both are about 1.1 Kg with batteries, and speaking of batteries, the FT-818 has a 1,900 mA Ni-MH battery, the IC-705 has an 1,880 mA LiON battery. As soon as you grab an external LiFePO4 battery with your FT-817/818, the benefit of the internal battery is almost eliminated... Oh wait, the FT-818 shipped with a tri-band rubber duck antenna! I guess that makes it the superior radio? No, they are both good radios. Ken, N2VIP |
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Re: Yaesu FT-818ND Discontinued Manufacturing
My main use of my FT817ND is as an IF rig on 144 and 432 MHz
for microwave transverters. The features I am interested in for the IC-705 are the band scope and digital waterfall display, and the DSP. Right now I cannot afford an IC-705. My FT857D has DSP. It doesn't have a band scope. Sometimes I use that as an IF rig.. I have been considering using an Adafruit design for a Raspberry Pi with a 3.5 inch display as a band scope. It would work with my Funcube dongle. Something else to build down the road. :-) 73, Zack W9SZ On Thu, Jan 12, 2023 at 1:13 PM Andy Foad via <andyfoad=[email protected]> wrote: On Thu, Jan 12, 2023 at 10:53 AM, Demetre - M0SUY/SV1UY wrote: |
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Re: Yaesu FT-818ND Discontinued Manufacturing
On Thu, Jan 12, 2023 at 10:53 AM, Demetre - M0SUY/SV1UY wrote:
IC-705A rig that can't even stand striaght without a third party addon to make it stable. A rig that has NO internal battery compartment that a user can easily use his own cells. Instead he has to use a CUSTOMISED battery shell designed for an old Icom HT. NO thanks. Icom these days are trading on a their past history that last peaked abut 25 years ago. I used to adore Icom rigs, but they never really got the hang of continued success once they issued the 706's and then they that gave up and got lazy. And just looked at their HT's, especially the 90's ones. The corpse of Myra Hindley looks more appealing. 73 de Andy |
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Re: Yaesu FT-818ND Discontinued Manufacturing
Hi Simon and all,
Although I already have the IC-705 which I like a lot, I am keeping my 2 X FT-817 radios because they still work FB and I still use them when I operate portable. They both have minor scratches because I have used them, and still use them, heavily on my mountain treks and at the beach in the summers. The scratches are a reminder that both my FT-817s are active radios! They are radios to keep for life, especially if you do Digital Modes!!! 73 de Demetre M0SUY (SV1UY) .. |
Daniel Levine
Demetre - SV1UY (M0SUY)
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